Reality TV star and former Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Phaedra Parks has found herself at the center of yet another explosive controversy—this time over something as seemingly innocent as a hamburger. The drama erupted when Parks took to her social media account to publicly criticize a local hamburger store, calling their food “unacceptable” and “overpriced.” What she likely didn’t anticipate, however, was the swift and fiery backlash that would follow.
In her now-deleted post, Parks shared a photo of the hamburger and described her disappointment in great detail. “I don’t know who in their right mind would pay this much for something that tastes like cardboard,” she wrote. “The service was slow, the atmosphere was dull, and honestly, I’d rather eat fast food than come back here.” While her remarks may have been intended as candid feedback, they quickly spiraled out of control, with the internet taking sides in what is now being dubbed as “The Hamburger War.”
Netizens wasted no time expressing their outrage. Many accused Parks of using her platform irresponsibly, claiming her harsh critique could seriously damage a small business struggling to survive in today’s economy. “She has millions of followers, and this is how she chooses to use her influence? Completely unacceptable,” one user commented. Another chimed in, “Phaedra, just because you don’t like the food doesn’t mean you have to ruin someone’s livelihood. Have some class!”
The backlash didn’t stop there. A viral hashtag, #BoycottPhaedra, began trending within hours of her post, with users demanding accountability from the reality star. Fans of the hamburger store banded together, flooding social media with glowing reviews of the establishment in what appeared to be a coordinated effort to counteract Parks’ critique. “That hamburger place is amazing, and Phaedra is just being petty,” one supporter wrote. “I’ve been eating there for years, and they’ve never disappointed me.”
Meanwhile, the hamburger store at the center of the controversy has issued a calm but pointed response. In a statement posted to their official Instagram account, they wrote, “We are saddened by the disparaging remarks made about our business. As a small, family-owned operation, we strive to provide quality food and service to our community. We appreciate the overwhelming support from our loyal customers during this time.”
Despite the calm tone of the store’s response, Parks’ critics have not let up. Some have even suggested that her comments were a publicity stunt, aimed at drawing attention to herself in a bid to stay relevant in the competitive world of reality TV. “This is classic Phaedra—always stirring the pot for attention,” one user alleged. “If she’s not in the headlines, she’s not happy.”
However, Parks’ fans have come to her defense, arguing that she was simply voicing her opinion and that everyone is entitled to speak their mind. “She’s just being honest,” one supporter commented. “If she didn’t like the food, why should she have to pretend otherwise? People are so sensitive these days.”
As the drama continues to unfold, Parks has remained notably silent, choosing not to address the backlash directly. Sources close to her claim she is “unbothered” by the criticism and stands by her original comments. “She’s not going to apologize for telling the truth,” an insider revealed. “Phaedra is known for keeping it real, and this situation is no different.”
Still, the situation raises questions about the responsibility that comes with having a large online platform. While Parks may have felt justified in sharing her opinion, critics argue that her words carry far more weight than those of the average customer. “When you’re a celebrity, your voice has power,” one social media user wrote. “You can’t just say whatever you want without thinking about the consequences.”
For now, the Hamburger War shows no signs of cooling down, and fans of both Phaedra Parks and the local eatery are eagerly watching to see what happens next. Will Parks issue an apology to the store and its owners? Or will she continue to stand firm, regardless of the backlash? One thing is for sure—this is one drama that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.